Annual Events

Featured Events:

Clam Chowder Cook-OffJoin the fun and excitement as talented Chefs from throughout the West Coast compete for the glory of the BEST CLAM CHOWDER!Every day (Feb 23-Feb 24) from 10:00am to 4:00pm Location: Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz Map

Clam Chowder Cookoff

Sample and savor clam chowder from amateur chefs on Saturday and professional chefs on Sunday at the country's largest and longest-running clam chowder competition at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Discover the fascinating secrets of the beach! Explore, practice outdoor skills, and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology, and more. This one-hour program is designed for kids ages 7-12. Sorry parents, this program is for kids only! Please register your child 15 minutes before the program begins at the Francis State Beach Visitor Center. Please be sure your child is dressed for active play in the outdoors. Event is free; day-use fee for vehicles is $10. Events made possible by Coastside State Parks Association, and California State Parks.

Campfire Program

Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30pm

Join us in our new campfire center for an evening of song and story. Serenade the glittering stars and learn about beach ecology, creatures of the ocean or stories of the park while relaxing by the beach. Event is free; day-use fee for vehicles is $10. Event made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks.

Guided Walk: Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park

Sunday, August 26 at 10am

Journey back in time to discover the lives of early pioneers on this two-mile stroll along Mills Creek at Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park. Meet at the Burleigh Murray parking lot located on Higgins-Purisima Road 1.5 miles east of Highway 1. Bring water and snacks; close toed shoes, layer clothing, and binoculars recommended. Appropriate for children age seven and older accompanied by parent. Rain cancels. For information call (650) 726-8819 or email HMBparksvolunteer@parks.ca.gov.

Guided Walk: Sequoia Audubon Trail

Sunday, August 5 at 10am

Sunday, August 19 at 1pm

Join us for a one-mile stroll along the California Coast into the Pescadero Marsh, a popular bird watching location. Meet at the Pescadero State Beach central parking lot located on Highway 1, one-quarter mile north of Pescadero Creek Road in Pescadero. Bring water, and snacks; close toed shoes, layer clothing, sunscreen and binoculars recommended. Children age 7 and older are welcomed, accompanied by parent. No pets. Rain cancels. For information call (650) 726-8819 or email HMBparksvolunteer@parks.ca.gov

Pescadero FestivalAquaint gathering of artists and artisans, locals and out-of-towners alike, showcasing their creativity and enjoying a down home Date: Every day (Aug 18-Aug 19) from 10:00am to 6:00pm

PAFF is Going Green!

This year, we've teamed up with the local chapter of Heirs to Our Oceans (H2OO), a youth-driven organization dedicated to changing how we see and use single-use products that negatively impact our oceans and our future.

Welcome to the Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival, a quaint gathering of artists and artisans, locals and out-of-towners alike, showcasing their creativity and enjoying a down home, country good time. Founded in 1991 by a group of local artists seeking an outlet for the local community of talent, the Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival was born, and has grown to become the event of the year for locals and longtime visitors.

Don't be fooled however by the abundance of artists in our midst (though we do seem to have more than our fair share). PAFF has become far more than just a festival showcasing local talent; thanks in large part to the dedication and generosity of the people behind PAFF, it is also a major player in promoting its local youth and programs. Whether its granting funds to programs within the schools, or scholarships to local seniors, you will find the influence of PAFF in many nooks and corners of the community.

State Park New BrightonSelf-guided tour highlights history of Pacific Rim migrations Date: Every Su, Tues, Wed, Th, Fri and Sa from 10:00am to 4:00pm Ages: 7-12

Tour the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center at New Brighton State Beach

Come explore the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center at New Brighton State Beach. This free mini-museum highlights the history of Pacific Rim migrations and how they have influenced the Monterey Bay area.

The exhibits explore the contributions of Chinese fishers, who established fishing camps on the Monterey Bay coastline beginning in the 1850s. Fishers dried and shipped most of their catch to markets up and down the coast, as well as across the Pacific. Chinese fish merchants also sold their fresh catch in local towns. China Beach, as New Brighton was known at the time, lasted until the mid-1880s.

The center, which is supported by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays. It also includes a ParkStore, offering nature and history-themed merchandise for sale. All proceeds benefit local parks and beaches.

Self-guided tours of the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center are free. Docent-led tours are available for groups. Contact Jean Bernard at the Visitor Center, 831-464-5620, to schedule. Parking at New Brighton State Beach is $10 and supports the park. New Brighton State Beach is located at 1500 Park Ave. in Capitola

State Park Wilder RanchExperience the Victorian era! Date: Every Su and Sa Ages: All Admission Fees: Free Special Instructions: Weekends from 11:00am-3:00pm, tours of the ranch houses at 1:00pm

Life on the Ranch Day - The Early Days on a Dairy FarmSaturday, August 11 from 11am to 3pm

Wilder Ranch State Park invites you to experience old-time activities from its rancho, dairy farm, and cowboy rodeo days. Hands-on activities and living history presentations may include butter churning, ice cream making, roping skills, and demonstrations in the ranch buildings. Come for a picnic on the lawn and follow it up with a game of tug of war, sack races, hoops, stilts, and Wilder Ranch's famous old-fashioned bubbles! This event is appropriate for all ages. Event is free; parking is $10. Please call the park to confirm at (831) 426-0505. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

Join us on a 3-mile, 2.5-hour hike to Castle Rock, Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook. We’ll discuss Castle Rock’s unique geology, rock climbing history, human impacts and important preservationists that helped give Castle Rock State Park the protections we have today. Please bring plenty of water, hiking shoes, snacks, a camera, and binoculars if you have them. Event is free; day use fee for vehicles is $8. Meet at the kiosk. Event made possible by California State Parks in partnership with Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.

MODERATE HIKESRidge/Trail Camp Loop Trailhead: main parking lot, 5.15 miles, elevation gain 1,190 feetHike through the forest and past Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock. Enjoy views of the San Lorenzo River Valley and glimpses of Monterey Bay. Learn about history, wildlife, and habitats at the Interpretive Shelter. Castle Rock Trail Camp has picnic tables, pit toilets, water and a rain shelter.

Skyline/Loghry Woods/Saratoga Gap LoopTrailhead: main parking lot; 6.1 miles roundtrip; elevation gain 750 feet Head through the forest past Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock. Enjoy views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the San Lorenzo River with glimpses across to Monterey Bay if there’s no fog. Castle Rock Trail Camp has picnic tables, pit toilets, water, and a rain shelter.

STRENUOUS HIKESMiddle of the Park from the Gap LoopTrailhead: Saratoga Gap; 9 miles roundtrip, elevation gain 1,530 feet. This challenging hike or run through the forest takes you past mountain and valley views with some glimpses of Monterey Bay on a clear day. Castle Rock Trail Camp has picnic tables, pit toilets, water and a rain shelter. Begin at Saratoga Gap and either go down Saratoga Toll Road Trail or across Skyline Trail (Bay Area Ridge Trail). Close the loop on the Loghry Woods and Travertine Springs trails.

Gap to Gap LoopTrailhead: Saratoga Gap or Waterman Gap; 16.4 miles round trip, elevation gain 1,860 feetA good workout for strong trail runners and hikers. You can also backpack and stay overnight at the Waterman Gap Trail Camp (reservations required). Trails are mostly wooded, with occasional views of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Skyline to the Sea Trailhead: dropoff at Saratoga Gap or park at main parking lot, pickup at Waddell Beach, 25.2–28.2 miles; elevation from 1,660–2,130 feet. One of the region’s most rewarding backpack options. Start on the spine of the Santa Cruz Mountains and descend to the ocean in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Camp at trail camps along the way. Two to four days of backpacking or four to eight hours of trail running.

Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook Hike

Saturdays at 2:30pm

Join us on a 3-mile, 2.5-hour hike to Castle Rock, Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook. We'll discuss Castle Rock's unique geology, rock climbing history, human impacts and important preservationists that helped give Castle Rock State Park the protections we have today. Please bring plenty of water, hiking shoes, snacks, a camera, and binoculars if you have them. Event is free; day use fee for vehicles is $8. Meet at the kiosk. Event made possible by California State Parks in partnership with Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.

Join us in our campfire center for an evening of song and story. Serenade the glittering stars and learn about redwood ecology, creatures of the forest or stories of the park while relaxing in the shadows of the towering trees. Good dogs welcome. The campfire center is located in the Henry Cowell Redwoods Graham Hill Campground, located off Graham Hill Road in Scotts Valley. Event is free; parking is $10. Events made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.

Santa Cruz honors its Hawaiian connections at the 26th Annual Aloha Outrigger Races and Polynesian Festival. A fun day to cheer on friends in the Outrigger Races, delight in island-style music and Polynesian dancing and enjoy a taste of the tropics with "shave ice" and festive drinks. Vendors line the Wharf with unique items perfectly catered to the Polynesian theme. Sponsored by the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation department and Pu Pu O'Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Club. This annual event is a Santa Cruz classic. FREE!

Outrigger Races: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Polynesian Festival: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Enter to Race in the Aloha Outrigger Races

Outrigger application period June 25 - August 15 ;(Early bird discount due August 3)

Two divisions: Open and Co-Ed (Co-Ed must have at least two women per team) Dress in your festive best and win the Outrigger Aloha Spirit Award.

Based on Mel Brooks' much loved Academy Award-winning movie, The Producers is a hilarious musical comedy that took Broadway by storm, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards and 3 Olivier Awards.Impoverished by a string of flops, New York producer Max Bialystock recruits timid accountant Leo Bloom to help him pull off Broadway's greatest scam. They aim to produce the worst show ever and run away with millions, but they soon learn that show business can kick you in the teeth.The Producers may be the funniest Broadway musical of all time.

State Park Big BasinDog-friendly walk on North Escape Road, a paved road closed to traffic Date: Every Su at 9:30am

Special Instructions: See details for dates/times

The Road Less Traveled: A Dog-Friendly Walk

Sundays at 9:30am

On this dog-friendly walk, we travel North Escape Road, a paved road closed to traffic. We tour stunning old-growth redwood groves along beautiful Opal Creek. We'll discuss redwood ecology and park history while exploring the deep shade of the redwood forest. This is a fun and easy, 3-mile, 2-hour walk with docent Diane Shaw. Dogs not required, but welcome! Bring water. Meet at park headquarters. For more information, call (831) 338-8883. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.

Our family of five farmers' markets showcases the best in regional organic produce, pasture-raised meats, eggs and dairy, sustainably-harvested seafoods and artisan-made goods.

Purchasing your food through the area's farmers' markets ensures that you are getting the freshest, healthiest and tastiest foods while supporting local jobs, increasing local spending and promoting the region's strong farming tradition.

We provide direct access to sustainable sources of fresh produce and other unique foods and education about food issues, both local and beyond.

Chamber of Commerce Scotts ValleyCome enjoy fine art, wine & beer tasting, great food, and live entertainment in an open park setting Date: Every day (Aug 18-Aug 19) from 10:00am to 6:00pm

The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce and Scotts Valley Arts Commission invite you to attend the Annual Scotts Valley Art and Wine Festival. Come enjoy fine art, wine & beer tasting, great food, and live entertainment in an open park setting at Skypark.

Voted as Scotts Valley's favorite Community Event the Scotts Valley Art and Wine Festival has grown bigger and even better this year. Over 100 artists from around California and surrounding areas will be displaying their juried art. There will be a variety of painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, glass art, sculpture, etching, digital works, textile art and much, much more. The artistic displays will include an array of functional and fine art to suit every taste and style.

Complementing your wine and beer tasting experience will be the great food in the Fabulous Food Court. The BBQ pit will be filled with the aroma of hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. Add to that Pizza, Stuffed Artichokes, Tacos, Kettle Corn, Fruit Smoothie drinks, coffee drinks, pretzels, Frozen Fruit treats, and YUMMY - the Food Court awaits you!

There is also fun for the kids. This year the Scotts Valley Art & Wine Festival will feature a "Kids Korner" where a Local Artist will guide children through their very own art project. Along with the art project there will be a booth to have their faces painted by local artist Melissa Garcia. It will be great fun for all. Of course there will be Live music to entertain you. The entertainment stage features a variety of entertainment. There is sure to be a style you will enjoy.

Live Tutoring: Students draw or type their question in our online classroom and receive live homework assistance from a Brainfuse-certified tutor. Our tutors don't simply give answers but help students master underlying academic concepts.

SkillSurfer: SkillSurfer includes an extensive library of Brainfuse-created lessons, video tutorials, and practice tests in a wide range of academic subjects, and further integrates them with live tutoring.

Relive history by traveling back to the time of Isaac Graham, the mountain man who settled in the Santa Cruz Mountains in the 1830s. Visit Roaring Camp's summer gathering of wild and wooly mountain men.

Wander through the wilderness encampments, as the colorful and hardy lifestyles of early trappers are re-created.

Watch frontiersmen perfect their skills while you chow down on a Chuck Wagon Barbecue lunch from noon to 3 p.m.

- observe and make field sketches of plants in the garden- learn how to winnow seeds (separating seed from chaff)- print a silkscreen image on a seed-collecting bandana that shows the life cycle of four select native plants- take home a collection of native seeds to start a garden

Vincent Waring is a California Naturalist and maker based in Santa Cruz, CA. His art explores ecology of wild and intentional spaces through imagery by utilizing printmaking, painting, and drawing. His extensive skills include working with wood, textiles, and plants.

Melody Overstreet is a local artist, poet, California Naturalist, and educator. Her work has been exhibited locally as well as internationally with a recent exhibit in Macau, China. She offers nature-craft workshops through Cabrillo College extension, the UCSC Arboretum, and Kids in Nature that emphasize the importance of our connection to place, community, and seeds.

Elena Staley is an interdisciplinary artist, naturalist, and community organizer who grew up in Coast Miwok territory of the Bay Area. She studies land tending, stewardship, and forestry techniques. Elena currently works doing oak tree restoration and teaching in Santa Cruz and the greater Bay Area.

Nicole Wong was drawn to the wild lands of Santa Cruz where she came to attend UCSC in 2003. Her exploration of her curiosity led her to study plants at the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine. She helped begin Stone Cabin Collective which runs an herbal clinic on the DineĢ (Navajo reservation). She runs a small herbal medicine business called Braided Relations Botanicals. She currently lives and makes medicine in the Santa Cruz mountains.To register, visit:https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/news-events/events/nature-crafts.html

Curated by Juan R. Fuentes and Michelle P. Mouton, Hablamos Juntos explores visual dialogs created by prominent California Latinx artists at the Pajaro Valley Arts gallery in Watsonville. In this extraordinarily rich exhibit, you will experience how our artists give voice to and navigate: daily life, current events, social, political and cultural issues, community, ethnicity, as well as personal narratives, myths, and history. Click here for a virtual tour. Visit our Facebook page for additional photos.

The Hablamos Juntos exhibit is also presented in partnership with the San Jose Museum of Art, New Terrains collaboration. Through New Terrains: Mobility and Migration, South Bay arts organizations band together to present a series of cross-disciplinary exhibitions, programs and experiences that explore how bodies move through spaces-social, political, literal, and figurative. Projects address timely topics such as transportation and urban planning, navigation and orientation, public protest, immigration and migration, and mobility in its many forms. For more information on New Terrains: https://sjmusart.org/new-terrains/connect

State Park Pigeon Point Light Station Date: Every Su, Fri and Sa at 10:00am Ages: All

The Pigeon Point Lighthouse is currently under repair, but that doesn't mean that the First Order Fresnel Lens can't shine! The Fresnel lens, the original lighthouse beacon, will light up once again from its temporary home in the Visitor Center. As dusk settles, the 24 beams of light provide a dramatic glimpse of how the lighthouse once guided ships passing by this rocky coastline. Bring a flashlight and join us for a unique experience. For more information, call the park at (650) 879-2120 or go online to www.Parks.CA.gov/PigeonPoint. Event is free. Events made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks.

* Please note the lighthouse will NOT be lit. The original lighthouse beacon, the First Order Fresnel lens, will be lit but in its temporary location inside the Visitor Center. The lighthouse is being repaired and is currently not accessible to the public.

Twilight marks the end of day and the beginning of night. Animals who come out at night have special adaptations to survive. Come test your nocturnal abilities on this fun, 1-hour, half-mile walk. Meet at Big Basin Redwoods State Park Headquarters. Event is free; vehicle day use fee is $10. Events made possible by California State Parks and Mountain Parks Foundation.

Event is free; day use vehicle fee is $10. Events made possible my California State Parks and Mountain Parks Foundation.

State Park Wilder RanchHistory comes alive at Wilder Ranch State Park on the weekends Date: Every Su and Sa at 1:00pm Ages: All Admission Fees: $10 parking

Ranch History Tours

Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

Monday, September 3 at 1pm

Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1897 Victorian home, 1859 Gothic Revival farmhouse, 1896 water-powered machine shop, barns and other historic buildings. Event is free; parking is $10. Please call the park to confirm at (831) 426-0505. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

Corralitos Valley Research & Education Association (CVREA)We have the tastiest fruit, veggies and baked treats! Date: Every Su from 11:00am to 3:00pm

The Farm & Garden Market is a small, friendly, open air market made up of local farmers and gardeners who grow within about a five mile radius of Corralitos.

Seasonally we have the tastiest strawberries, blueberries, cherries, lemons, tomatoes, herbs, squash, potatoes, carrots, peas, beets, and avocados, as well as a variety of other fruits, vegetables, lettuces and salad greens.

We have bakers that offer wonderful treats, along with a table full of beautiful potted flowers.

You may find expertly handmade natural soaps, and homemade jams and preserves.

The market is open to all of our friends and neighbors who grow anything from a garden to a good back yard fruit tree.

For a booth we request a $5 donation to the CVREA, the non-profit who maintains the Corralitos Cultural Center.

Discover the fascinating secrets of the beach! Explore, practice outdoor skills, and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology, and more. This one-hour program is designed for kids ages 7-12. Sorry parents, this program is for kids only! Please register your child 15 minutes before the program begins at the Francis State Beach Visitor Center. Please be sure your child is dressed for active play in the outdoors. Event is free; day-use fee for vehicles is $10. Events made possible by Coastside State Parks Association, and California State Parks.

Campfire Program

Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30pm

Join us in our new campfire center for an evening of song and story. Serenade the glittering stars and learn about beach ecology, creatures of the ocean or stories of the park while relaxing by the beach. Event is free; day-use fee for vehicles is $10. Event made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks.

Guided Walk: Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park

Sunday, July 22 at 10am

Journey back in time to discover the lives of early pioneers on this two-mile stroll along Mills Creek at Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park. Meet at the Burleigh Murray parking lot located on Higgins-Purisima Road 1.5 miles east of Highway 1. Bring water and snacks; close toed shoes, layer clothing, and binoculars recommended. Appropriate for children age seven and older accompanied by parent. Rain cancels. For information call (650) 726-8819 or email HMBparksvolunteer@parks.ca.gov.

Guided Walk: Sequoia Audubon Trail

Sunday, July 1 at 10am

Sunday, July 15 at 1pm

Join us for a one-mile stroll along the California Coast into the Pescadero Marsh, a popular bird watching location. Meet at the Pescadero State Beach central parking lot located on Highway 1, one-quarter mile north of Pescadero Creek Road in Pescadero. Bring water, and snacks; close toed shoes, layer clothing, sunscreen and binoculars recommended. Children age 7 and older are welcomed, accompanied by parent. No pets. Rain cancels. For information call (650) 726-8819 or email HMBparksvolunteer@parks.ca.gov.

Guided Walk: McNee Ranch, Montara State Beach

Saturday, July 14 at 10am

Join us for a two-mile stroll along the California coast and enjoy stunning views, remnants of the long-gone Ocean Shore Railroad and WWII era bunker. Meet at Gray Whale Cove State Beach Parking Lot on Highway 1 just south of Devil's Slide. Bring water and snacks; close toed shoes, layer clothing, and binoculars recommended. Children age 7 and older are welcomed, accompanied by parent. All pets must be on leash. Rain cancels. For information call (650) 726-8819 or email HMBparksvolunteer@parks.ca.gov

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